1From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 22 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you on Friday last requesting your earliest arrival with the Troops under your command to join me. This I must repeat, and have sent an Officer on purpose to deliver my Letter, to whom I refer you for the particulars of our Situation & that of the Enemy at this Time. I shall only observe respecting them, that the main body of their Army lay last night, near French Creek Bridge about...
2From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I received your’s with the returns enclosed. I have desired General Schuyler to forward to West Point with all possible dispatch, the boats that are at present fit for Service. Immediately upon their arrival at your post, I wish you to have them safely moored in some convenient Cove, and Guarded in such a manner, as will effectually prevent any person from useing them (or the oars, plank &c....
3From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 19 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The exigency of our affairs makes it necessary, you should use all the diligence and dispatch in your power to join this army, with the troops under your command. The enemy are making the most vigorous efforts to succeed in their attempt upon Philadel: and it will require our utmost exertions to disappoint them. We shall this day cross the Schulkill at Parkers ford about thirty miles from...
4George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 25, 1779 . Acknowledges meeting Elijah Hunter. Advises using caution in dealing with double spies like Hunter. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
5From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 6 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
The presence of Colonel de la Radiere, rendering the Services of Mr Kosciousko, as Engineer at Fish kill, unnecessary—you are to give him immediate orders to join this Army without loss of time—Inclosed is a Packet for Col. Hay Deputy Quarter Master, which you will be so good as to forward immediately by express. I am with great regard and esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt Servt however desirous...
6From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 28 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary Genl of Issues is directed to take the most effectual measures to furnish the Armey with a Quantity of Hard Bread—for this Purpose, Six Bakers will be given him from here—You will be pleased to afford him every Assistance in your Power, that he may need—to accomplish this necessary Work. I am with much Regard sir Your most Obedt servt P.S. I find, that unless vigorous Measures...
7George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 4 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 4, 1779 . Instructs McDougall to fire thirteen cannon to celebrate anniversary of Declaration of Independence. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
8From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding the large fleet that sailed on the 19th & 20th—and the reasons we had to conclude, that the Regiments were on board—which we had repeatedly heard were embarked—I have just received advices through different Channels—and which cannot but be certain and authentic—that there were none but Invalids & Offi cers of the reduced Corps on board; and, that the Troops which had embarked,...
9From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 12 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am very desirous of seeing you, and request that you will be with me, as soon as you can, without injury to your health or overfatiguing yourself. I am Dr Sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt servt LS , owned (1996) by Mr. Joseph Rubinfine, West Palm Beach, Florida. GW signed the cover, which was addressed to McDougall at Peekskill, New York. McDougall’s docket on the letter reads,...
10From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 1 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Be pleased upon the receipt of this to order Colonel Malcoms and late Pattons Regiments to march as soon as possible to the Minisink settlement, and upon their arrival there to take their orders from General Hand, or the commanding officer. Their most expiditious route will be to New Windsor by water, and from thence across to Minisink, which is not more than 40 miles. When the corps march,...
11From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 4 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
To day being the anniversary of independence you will be pleased to have it taken notice of by discharging thirteen peices of cannon at one oClock. I wish we had it in our power to distribute a portion of rum to the Soldiers, to exhilerate their spirits upon the occasion; but unfortunately our stock is too scanty to permit. I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt servt P.S. Major Beauman told me...
12From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your three favours, One of May the 31st and two of June the 1st. I am happy to find your Affairs seem to be in good train. You mention the return of the Detachment from Virginia—This may have happened; but it has not been announced by my intelligence. Perhaps it is designedly given out by the Enemy. Their design is now apparently against the Forts and these certainly...
13From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 24 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege your two favors of the 23d. Your resolutions respecting the prosecution of Major General Heath are very agreeable to me—your reasons are good, & do honor to your own Heart. I am much obliged by your sentiments on the mode of getting Wood for the Garrison of West point; your observations, founded in knowlege & experience, will prove usefull. My attention has been for some...
14From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 15 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
By the last Post I was favord with your Letter of the 5 Instantand I take the earliest opportunity to acquaint you of my compliance with your request. Tho’ I have ever been averse to Officers going to New York on every slight pretext, I was always ready to grant my permission when real business required their presence. With great regard am Dr Sir Your Most Obedient Servant NNGL .
15George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] August 14, 1779 . Asks McDougall to accompany Brigadier Generals Henry Knox and Louis Le Bèque Du Portail “to ascertain the number of cannon.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
16From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your favour of the 20th instant—Mr H—— has just delivered me that of the 22d—The letter and inclosures referred to in it have not yet come to hand. I have had a good deal of conversation with Mr H—— He appears to be a sensible man capable of rendering important service; if he is sincerely disposed to do it —From what you say—I am led to hope he is; but nevertheless, if he is...
17From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 23 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I, yesterday, had the pleasure of your’s of the 21st instant. I wish every Gentleman in the army could appeal to his own heart and find the same principles of conduct, which, I am persuaded activate you; we should experience more consistency, zeal and steadiness, than we do, in but too many instances. A disinterested attachment to the cause, we are ingaged in, can alone produce that line of...
18From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 6th instant inclosing a Return of the Troops under your command. From the accounts which I had received, I expected that the Connecticut Regiments had been much fuller. That the persons who are draughted should procure substitutes of any kind to releive themselves is not to be wondered at; but that the Officers who are appointed to receive the Draughts should suffer...
19From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 22 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 13th instant. I am perfectly satisfied with your delay of the enterprise proposed to you, as I am certain it has been founded upon substantial reasons. Congress having, by their Resolve of the 15th inst., directed Genl Gates to resume the command of the Northern department and to repair forthwith to Fishkill for that purpose; I imagine he will proceed immediately...
20From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Major General Heath has made no application for leave of absence. The other parts of your Letter, of this date I shall be better able to decide upon when the reasons and charges, which are proposed as the subject of another letter, are exhibited. I am Sir Your very hum. servt NSchU .
21George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 31 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 31, 1779 . Sends news of British movements and advises McDougall to move supplies at Fishkill. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
22From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The arrangement you have made with respect to the detachment from Nixon’s brigade is agreeable to me. But I would have Major Hulls light infantry to join General Wayne, at all events, this evening or tomorrow morning early—Orders have been given for the execution of the enterprise tomorrow night; and though the want of tents is an objection to those with you going down, I have several reasons...
23George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 23 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] June 23, 1779 . Has directed Major General Israel Putnam to advance a brigade to the “Forest of Deane.” Asks for information as soon as it is received. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 23 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately to proceed with the brigades of Nixon, Parsons and Huntington—by the route which will be delivered to you by the Quarter Master General—as far as Hartford—where you will wait for farther orders. I am persuaded that no attention on your part will be wanting for the maintenance of discipline, and preservation of the Health of your troops—and that no precaution will be...
25From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 25 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of yesterday came to hand late last Night. As I have heard nothing further of the Troops that embarked on the 20th I can only recommend it to you to keep a vigilant look out for them. The detatchments that are to come on need not bring Camp Kettles with them, if they are wanted with you, as we have a sufficiency here. I am so well convinced of the Justice of your Remark upon the...
26From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your favors of the 28th and 30th ultimo. Under the circumstances you mention I think it will be best to retain the masons, till you have completed the works, at which you mean to employ them; when they may be returned to their corps. The moment Gen: Parsons’ brigade arrives, or any part of it comprehending a regiment; you will immediately detach a regiment from General Poors,...
27George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 14, 1779 . Approves of arrangements for Brigadier General John Nixon’s brigade. States that an attack will be made against Stony Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
28From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 5 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your Two favors of the 31st Ulto and 1st Instant. General Clinton and Admiral Gambier, as you will probably have heard before this, have returned from the Eastward—and, I believe, several of the Troops, which had gone towards the East end of Long Island. The expedition they had in view in that Quarter, whatever it was, seems to be at an end—or at least for the present....
29George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 6 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] March 6, 1777. Requests a return of troops. Questions validity of some returns and suspects fraud. Orders McDougall to have troops in readiness at Peekskill. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress LS, in the handwriting of H, the W. Wright Hawkes Collection of Revolutionary War Documents, on deposit at Union College, Schenectady, New York.
30From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 1 January 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 1 Jan. 1777. The Paul C. Richards catalog no. 19, item 455, 1968, quoted the following from the LS : “I have the pleasure to inform you that your sons parole has been sent out to me, amongst others, who are exchanged for officers I have sent in to General Howe. General Maxwell has the proper orders for encouraging the Militia, to come...
31From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 22 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
On your taking the Command of West Point, I wish your attention to the following perticulars. Visit the Redoubts twice or thrice in a week at uncertain periods. call the Roles regularly, and every Man to be present or satisfactorily accounted for. the Redoubts to be kept perfectly clean & sweet. no officer to be absent without your leave; nor any Soldier without leave from a Field Officer. ten...
32From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 25 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I request you will regularly report to me, the number of Militia which shall arrive from time to time, at your Post. I am Dear Sir Your Most Obed. Servt CSmH .
33From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 23 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Half an hour ago I received your Note at eight P.M. In consequence of the intelligence Col. Butler communicates I have directed General Putnam to advance a brigade early in the morning to the Forest of Deane. If you receive any further advice, you will be pleased instantly to give me notice of it; and at the same time, send a messenger to General Putnam, that he may be the more certain of...
34From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, c.18 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, c.18 Jan. 1779. GW wrote George Measam on this date : “I have given directions to Genl Putnam who commands the three Brigades near Danbury and to Genl Mcdougall who commands the troops at Fishkill, Peekskill and West Point to draw any of the above Articles as they may have occasion.”
35From George Washington to Brigadier Generals John Glover and Alexander McDougall, 20 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy decamped, the night before last, & have returned to their former position from Amboy to Brunswick. This appears to have been in consequence of a sudden resolution, as they had been employ’d in raising a chain of redoubts from Sommerset to Brunswick; which they wou’d not have done, had they at first intended to abandon their new Ground in so short a time. What may have determined them...
36George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 20 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 20, 1779 . Instructs McDougall to order certain officers to serve on a court-martial. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
37From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 20 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to find by yours of the 16th that your Health is sufficiently re-established to enable you to do your duty. Considering the great dependance which we shall be under the necessity of putting upon Militia for a while longer, we certainly ought not to remove a General Officer from a post, to which, he can, by his influence, draw them when they are wanted. Upon this principle, you were...
38From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 3 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am made extremely unhappy, by finding, that the difference between General Heath and yourself has proceeded to so disagreeable a height. A few days before the receipt of yours of the 27th ulto, General Heath had furnished me with a Copy of the arrest and charges, and desired me to order a General Court Martial, which I did. Lord Stirling is appointed president, and the Dy Adjt General is...
39George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 15 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 15, 1780 . Describes British “incursion into the Jersies.” Fears attack on West Point and orders McDougall to West Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
40George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 1 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 1, 1779 . Sends information concerning British troop movements. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
41From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 18 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Just after I had wrote very fully to you this Morning I recd yours of the 17th. By the inclosed Resolutions of Congress, which came to hand this day, and which are additions and Amendments to the former Articles of War, you will find that every Continental General has a right to carry the Sentence of a General Court Martial into execution in the State in which he commands. And I shall esteem...
42From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 28 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 22d and am sorry that Affairs bore so bad an Aspect in your Quarter at that time. But I hope that the late Success at Trenton on the 26th and the Consequences of it, will change the face of Matters not only there but every where else. I crossed over to Jersey the Evening of the 25th about 9 Miles above Trenton with upwards of 2000 Men and attacked three Regiments of...
43George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 19 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 19, 1779 . Is attempting to procure cannon but regrets that at this time none is available. Will send money when money arrives. Asks for a muster of the Massachusetts men under McDougall’s command. Instructs McDougall to have Brigadier General Enoch Poor’s brigade ready to march. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
44From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 8 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
As I am obliged to go from Head Quarters this morning on business of consequence —I am under the necessity of giving you a short answer to your Letter of the 3d Inst., which was only presented to me just now. Your reasoning as to the improbability of the Enemy’s operating to the Eastward was very strong; and your views of the difficulties that would attend the quartering of the whole Army on...
45George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 3, 1779 . Sends one hundred and fifty guineas. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This money was to be used for secret service.
46George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 15 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ White Plains, New York ] September 15, 1778 . Orders McDougall to march to Danbury and put himself under command of Major General Horatio Gates. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
47From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am pleased to find by yours from Coryells Ferry that you are so near me. The Army will fall down to Night to a well known place called the Trap 24 Miles from Philada. Tomorrow we shall proceed further down towards Philada. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, owned (1997) by Mr. Joseph Rubinfine, West Palm Beach, Florida. The letter is addressed: “To Brigr Genl...
48From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 18 February 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 18 Feb. 1777. McDougall writes GW on 7 Mar . that “I was honored with your favor of the 18th Ultimo.”
49From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon receipt of this you will be pleased to give orders for the two remaining regiments of Poors brigade to march immediately to Easton, with the same quantity of amunition &[c.] allowed to the others. Previous however to their march they are to be paid up to the 1st of April, and to draw two pair of over-alls per man, exclusive of the deficiencies in their clothing. As Colonel Cortlands...
50From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 20 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Our advices agree that the enemy have their whole force up the river, & by a letter dated last evening from Col. Butler I am informed they had made a debarkation at stoney point. Sir Harry may wish to retaliate for the loss of that post. I am therefore extremely anxious that we should be prepared to receive them, and of course that the arrangements pointed out in Yesterdays orders should be...